Granting Extended Status to DACA Recipients is the Right Step Forward
We applaud the bipartisan bill legislation Senator Lindsey Graham (R-N.C.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) introduced late last week that would provide provisional protected status for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients.
The 2012 program allows unauthorized immigrants who were brought to the United States as children—also known as “DREAMers”—who have completed or are enrolled in high school, and who have not committed serious offenses, to obtain temporary protection from deportation, as well as a work permit, renewable every two years. Since DACA’s implementation, almost 740,000 DREAMers have received temporary deportation relief.
“We applaud the commitment of both Senators Durbin and Graham to give relief to thousands of deserving young people who have been so deeply affected by the uncertainty of how a new presidential administration would deal with the issue of their immigration status,” said NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía in a statement. “For most, the thought of having to leave the only country they really know, their jobs, their friends, and give up on their dreams of successful careers is truly paralyzing and devastating.”
The bill, known as the Bridge Act, would have applicants pay a fee, they would be subject to criminal background checks, and they would have to meet the same eligibility requirements that exist under the current standards established through executive action under President Obama. Current DACA recipients would get provisional status and the opportunity to apply for an extension once that status expires. Those who do not have DACA status, but are currently eligible, would be able to apply.
“We are grateful for this bipartisan leadership from both senators and hope that others will join the effort, but we hope that President-elect Donald Trump will avoid the need for legislation by simply extending the Department of Homeland Security’s DACA program,” said Murguía.
